SUBCULTURE

From Melbourne with Love… Part Two

January 2022
Photos by @elfwaite, @millarae and @jackytwostep

We head to Melbourne to catch up with our Aussie community about local scenes, favourite hang-out spots and most memorable gigs.

Asha Ryder West, Musician

What is Australia’s best-kept secret?

Melbourne always seems to have more little secrets to discover, even for someone like me who’s lived here for a while. There’s endless bars and clubs where incredibly talented musicians perform night after night.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to in Australia?

I saw Grace Jones at the Palais Theatre a few years back. I was mesmerised by her stage presence and confidence. She opened with Nightclubbing which was amazing! Her energy is just contagious, and I was absolutely captivated by her.

Zach Rockman, Artist

Which Australian subcultures have influenced you?

I’d have to say the St Kilda post-punk scene of the ‘80s but more for the visual art from people like Howard Arkley than the music.

What’s your favourite independent venue in Australia?

I’m waiting for something new to pop-up! Covid has been unkind to Melbourne, however, I feel something beautiful will arise from it.

What’s Australia’s best-kept secret?

Melbourne’s southside is really underrated.

Andre, Tattoo Artist

Which Australian subcultures have influenced you?

I was born in Lagos in Nigeria and then grew up near Lake Como in Italy so a lot of my influences come from Europe. I’m influenced by football from Italy and grime and street culture from the UK. But I’ve brought those influences with me to Melbourne.

What’s the best gig you’ve been to in Australia?

I went to see Migos here in 2017. That was an amazing show.

Who’s your favourite Australian musician?

Babyface Mal. I love his flow! I love his track Superhero.

Mr Muscle & K.H.A, Musicians

Which Australian subcultures have influenced you?

Hip Hop, d’n’b, grime, graffiti, skateboarding, hardcore and techno. The list is endless. We’re influenced by the collective energy of street culture in Melbourne. The city has inspired our lifestyle so much.

What is your favourite independent venue in Australia?

Section 8 in Melbourne. It’s right in the centre of the city and has always been a hub for mad shit.

Who’s your favourite Australian musician at the moment?

Alex Jones. His lyricism and artistry is second to none. We love his track My Time Part 2.

Madison Finn, Hairdresser

Which Australian subcultures have influenced you?

I grew up in the outer suburbs of Melbourne and have been influenced by Aussie bogans. If you don’t know what that is, google it, but broadly it’s dudes who wear thongs (flip flops), Oakley wrap around sunglasses and sit around drinking slabs of beer.

Who’s your favourite Australian musician?

Maya Hirasedo. Her single I Know is absolutely amazing and she’s definitely going places.

Best place to hang out in Australia?

My salon! Everyone’s welcome and everyone’s going to be comfortable. I love being there and whoever comes in automatically becomes a friend.

Finn Doyle, Painter

Which Australian subcultures have influenced you?

The Melbourne/Geelong club scene was definitely a gateway into a whole new world of music for me. It definitely started my love of dance music.

What’s the best gig you’ve been to in Australia?

Seeing Roland Tings in 2017 was genuinely life changing. Who U Love will always stand out as a magical track for me and it was amazing to hear it performed live.

Best place to hang out in Australia?

I love Geelong’s art and music scene and especially The Gasometer Hotel.

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